Power control for earth working devices



M y A. ASHTON 2,243,306

POWER CONTROL FOR EARTH WORKING DEVICES 4'Sheets-Sheei 2 Fild Jan. 17, 1938 INVENTOR.

AL aferflah'rom ATTORNEY y 1941- A. ASHTON 2,243,306

PbWER CONTROL FOR EARTH WORKING DEVICES Filed Jan. 17, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet a zoa V Z045 Z05 207 M552? 145/1 TON, INVENTOR- Patented May 27, 1941 POWER CONTROL FOR EARTH WORKING DEVICES Albert Ashton, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to The Buckeye Traction Ditcher Company, Findlay, Ohio Application January 17, 1938, Serial No. 185,270

13 Claims.

My invention relates in general to ground wor g implements of the power driven type having ground working or ground engaging tool means movably supported thereon so as to be adjusted to difierent positions or conditions of operation, and relates in particular to a controllable, power operated means for moving the tool means as may be desired or required in the operation thereof.

My invention is of especial utility with those types of devices, such for example as bulldozers, trail builders, etc., wherein tools or blades are mounted upon a tractor so as to be moved through their various positions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, re-

liable and readily controlled means whereby a tool or tools may be moved or supporting vehicle in accordance 'with the requirements of the work being done by the device.

In ground working devices of the general type to which my invention relates a track-laying tractor is employed and the desired tool equipment is supported in projecting relation thereto. Owing to the fact that the forward portions of the tractor tread supports are independently movable in vertical direction so as to have compensation for unevenness of the ground over which the tractor is driven, more or less has been encountered in the provision of suitable supporting means for the tool equipment which is ordinarily very heavy and is subjected to great strain during the operation of the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel means for movably supporting the tool equipment of a ground or road working device of the above character wherein the loads and forces incidental to the use of heavy tool or blade members will be applied in a manner to avoid the possibility of breaking or otherwise injuring the tractor structure.

The bodies of the tractors employed in the construction of these types of devices generally consist of an engine transmission housing castings bolted together in longitudinal relation. To this body or superstructure of the tractor the undercarriage structure, including the tread members, is connected in a flexible manner so as to permit the vertical movement of the tread members as previously herein mentioned, and this characteristic construction' of tractors has presented a serious problem concerning the mounting devices directly upon the tractor without the application of strains which are liable to result in injury to the tractor structure. Many inadjusted on a casting or castings and of heavy tool stances have been found where the strains produced in the operation of the ground engaging tools have broken. castings of the tractor superstructure incurring considerable expense and serious delay in the work to be done. An object of my invention is to provide a' device of the above character wherein the ground engaging elements are supported entirely upon the tread elements instead of fully or partly upon the superstructure as in previous construction wherein breakage of the tractor parts has been caused, and to so mount the ground engaging elements that all possibility of transmitting breaking strains to the tractor structure is avoided and in such a manner that the free compensating movement of the tread elements relative to the superstructure is in no way interfered with.

It is a iurther object of the invention to pro vide a device of the above character wherein the ground engaging elements are mounted directly upon the tread elements in such a manner that there may be a relative movement of the tread elements and the ground engaging elements during the operation of the device over an uneven ground or road surface.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in conjunction with a ground or road working device of the above character an eificient power take-oil with means for transmitting power to the ground engaging element of the of the invention, a power take-01f of cable type is mounted at the rearward end of the tractor drawings which areior illus form of the invention, a portion of thestru-cture being broken away to show anelevation of the elements I3.

power take-off.

Fig. 2 is a plan a portion thereof being also broken away to disclose parts of the power take-off.

Fig. 3 is a front end view of the device.

Fig. 4 is a rear end view of the device.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectiontaken as indicated by the, line 5-5 ofFig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a rear elevation showing a form of my invention in which a horizontal cable drum is used instead of the vertical'drum shown in Fig. 4.

view corresponding to Fig. 31,-

Fig. 7 is an elevationalview of the forward end of a ground working device, this view showing my improved cable lift means for the ground engaging tool. q Fig. 8 is a plan view corresponding to Fig.7. Fig. 9is an enlarged fragmentary section taken as indicated by the line 9-9 of Fig. 8. I t

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken as indicated by the line III-.40 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the lines of cable running between the upper and lower sheaves of the lift device shown in Figs. '7 and 8.

In Figs, 1 to 4 of the drawings I have shown a tractor I0 having a body or superstructure II and an undercarriage I2 which includes a pair of tread elements I3 lying on opposite sidesof and below the plane of the superstructure II and each consisting of a tread chain I4 and a supporting means I5 therefor. The supporting means I5 each include adrive sprocket I6, as best shown in Fig. 1, longitudinal bar or spreader members I1 which extend forwardly from the sprockets IS in positions within the loops of the tread chains I4 and carrying idler wheels I8 at the forward ends thereof over which the forward portions of the tread chains I4 run. The drive sprockets I6 are mounted on axle shafts I9, as indicated in Fig. 1, each axle shaft I9 projecting laterally from an end of a rear axle housing 20, there being two ofsuch rear axle housings, disposed in positions to project oppositely from a transmission casing 2I located at the rearward end-of body II of the tractor.

The ground engaging tool means employed in the form of the invention shown consists of a pusher member 22 having a blade or plate member 23 with a knife 24 at the lower edge thereof. This ground engaging tool, or pusher member 22 has a pair of arms or thrust bars 25 extending rearwardly from the ends thereof and along the sides of the tread elements I3, and having their rearward or leftward ends 26 pivotally connected to the rearward portions by .means of mounting which are secured to the .rearward'portions of the outer side bars I1 of the tread elements I3, or,';-these mounting blocks 21 may be integrally formed as parts ofthe longitudinal bar members The bulldozer structure represented by the pusher member 22 may be raised or lowered relative to the ground or road surface 28, Fig. 1, by

of the tread elements I3 blocks or. bracket 21'.

- ried by the lever I30; with the'projecting end this construction pusher forward portions of directly by the tread swinging the arms 25 onthe pivot members formed by the brackets or blocks 21. To provide the desired pivotal connection, each member 21 is equipped with an extending trunnion 29 on which a sleeve 30 is turnably mounted. Each of the sleeves 30 has a pair of vertically and oppositely extended lugs 3| to which plates 32 at the rearward ends of the arms 25 are connected 33. It will be seen that with all thrust imparted to. the member 22 as the result of the operation of the bulldozer will be transmitted to the tread by means of pins the pusher member 22 and the .the arms 25 is also'carried elements I3 by the use of a 35 which is preferably employed each of the tread elements I3. "Each of these boom members 35 is connected solely to the cooperating tread element I3 and therefore without direct connection to the The weight of boom member in duplicate, one on tractor body II. Each boom member 35 comprises an outer plate 36 and an inner plate 31, the outer plates 35 extending along the outer faces of the tread elements I3 and being connected to the outer longitudinal bar or spreader members l1, and the inner plate members 31 extending along the inner faces of the tread elements I3 and being connected likewise to the inner bar members I1 of the tread elements l3. The rearward ends 38 of the outer plate members 36 are connected preferably to the mounting blocks 21 and the intermediate portions 39 thereof are connected by means of members 40 portions of the tread elements I3. The inner plate members 31 are connected to the'inner faces of the tread elements I3 in a similar manner. The forward ends plate members 35 and 31 of the boom members 35 are extended forwardly and upwardly as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the extremities thereof are converged toward each other and are connected by means of bolts 42. Lifting means or suspension means, shown in the form of a cable 43, is connected between the member 22 and the boom members 35 so that the weight or load of the tool represented by the member 22 will be received by the boom members 35 and transmitted thereby directly to the tread elements I3.

The cable 43 is actuated by a power take-off or winch 46, which is connected through the casing 45 at the rear end of the tractor, with the power means of the tractor. This power take-off 46 is of the type disclosed in the patent of H. A. Hutchins, No. 2,178,280, for Power take-off for power driven vehicle, and has a housing 51, external structural members 95, is provided with a cable spool 89 on which the cable 43 is wound or from which it is permitted to unwind as the raising or lowering of the pusher member 22 may require. The power take-off 45 is provided with a control lever I30 having a forward extension I41 to support a handle I48 convenient to the operator of the tractor. The lower end of the lever I30 is connected, as shown in Fig. 1,to the control element I38 'of the power take-off, and is adapted to move this control element I38 against the tension of a spring I43 which is placed as shown in Fig. 4. A link I26 connects a fitting I25 car- II1 of a brake member 88, so that brake. applying motion may be transmitted to the brake in response to a reverse movement of the lever I30.

98a, and I01, and

porting member I56 wardly from the split sleeve I51 on rightward tread element I3 may As best shown in Fig. 2, the front end I49 of the cable 43 is connected to a sleeve I50 mounted on the bolt 42 at the upper end of the leftward boom member 35. From the sleeve I 50, the cable 43 is carried downwardly and over a sheave II, mounted on the back of the pusher member 22, to a second sheave I52 which is also mounted on the back of the pusher member 22. From the sheave I52, the cable 43 is extended to a sheave I53 supported on the bolt 42 which is disposed at the upper end of the right hand boom member 35. The cable 43 passes over the sheave I53 and through a tube I54 to a sheave I55 which is movably or adjustably mounted at one side. of the power take-off 46. As the right hand tread element I3 of the tractor swings up and down on the axle member I9 associated therewith, the

rearward sheave I55 is displaced forwardly and rearwardly and also rotates on a lateral axis as the forward end of the tube I54 swings upwardly and downwardly in accordance with the movement of the boom member 35 to which it is connected. i

The forward end of the tube or spreader member I54 is connected by means of a sheave supto the bolt 42 which supports the sheave I53; this member I56 comprising a split sleeve I51, adapted to be clamped on the forward end of the tube I54, and a pair of plates I58 of circular form which extend foropposite sides of the sheave I53 and pivot on the bolt 42 which supports the sheave I53. The rearward sheave I 55 is carried in a similar sheave supporting member I56a comprisinga pair of plates I58a, as shown in Fig. 5, between which plates the sheave I55 is supported on a pin I60, and a split clamping sleeve I51a is adapted to receive the rearward end of the tube I54; From the upper plate I58a of the member I56a, a. pair of lugs I6I project upwardly on opposite sides of the pin I60. These lugs I 6| support a hinge pin I62 which passes through an opening I63 in the lower part of a vertical post I64 which has a pin portion I 65 forming its upper end and being threaded to receive a nut I66. The vertical pin portion I65 is turnable in an opening I61 formed in the outer end of an arm I68 which is hingedly connected to the power take-011 46 so as to swing on a substantially vertical axis. The inner end of the arm I68 has a boss I69 which swings on a vertical pin I projecting up from the crossbar 95 of the power take-oil 46. The members I62 and I64, with their associated parts, provide a universal connection III for attaching the sheave supporting means I56a and the rearward end of the tube I54 to the outer, or swinging end of the arm I68.

In the operation of the device, the loop of the cable 43 extending from the sleeve I50 and across the sheaves I5I and I52 to the sheave I53 is shortened or lengthened to accomplish the raising or lowering of the tool means represented by the pusher member 22. In the form of the invention shown, the pusher member 22 is rigidly secured to the forward ends of the arms 25 by means of joints I12 which permit vertical adjustment of the ends of the pusher member 22 so that the knife 24'willbe disposed at a desired level. In the operation of the device over ground which is not level or has b ps thereirr, the

e raised or lowcred relative to the body II of the tractor. When this occurs, the bolt 42 which supports the sheave I 53 swings on an are around the axis of the shaft which project ning of the cable member I 9, Fig. 1, and the member I56 which encloses the sheave I53 may turn on the aforementioned bolt 42. As the tube I54 is swung vertically and displaced forwardly and rearwardly there will be a turning of the sheave sup porting means I56a on the universal joint means "I and the arm I68 will swing a short distance on the pivot member I10, Fig. 2. The forward thrust against the sheave I55 due to the run- 43 thereovcr is carried by the tube I54 and is transmitted by the tube I54 to the bolt 42 which carries the sheave I53 and the plates I58 of the member I56.

In the construction shown, the arms 25 are made relatively slender, since they need only carry the thrusts which are to be transmitted between the tractor I0 and the pusher or scraper 22. Side sway of the forward ends of the arms 25 is limited by side plates I14 which are mounted on the vinner faces of the arms 25 adjacent plates I15 which are mounted in vertical planes on the side plates 36 of the supporting members 35.

I have also shown the invention: wherein the drum or spool 89 is mounted so as to rotate on a vertical axis so that the cable may pass directly from the spool to the sheave I55, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, without the need for intervening guide pulleys. This feature is independent of the other valuable features of the invention which accordingly may be used with a power take-off device having a horizontally disposed cable spool. To illustrate this I have in- Fig. 6 shown the tractor I0 equipped with the boom members35 on the respective tread elements I3, and the pusher or scraper member 22. In the device shown in Fig. 6, the power take-ofi 46' is turned on its side so that its spool 89' will rotate on a horizontal axis. The arm I68 arm I68 of Fig. 4, is hinged above the power take-off 46 so as to swing on a vertical axis AA. From the spool 89' the cable 43' is carried vertically to a pulley I and is carried over this pulley I80 to a sheave I55 secured by universal joint means "I to the rightward end of the arm I68, this sheave I55 being mounted in the manner previously described in a sheave supporting means I56a disposed at the rearward end of a cable guide tube I54.

In Figs. '7 and 8 I show my form of cable lift means especially adapted for use in extremely heavy ground working devices of the tractormounted type hereinbefore described. Herein a massive mould-board I80 is mountedon a cross member or yoke I8I which is connected to the forward ends of the arms 25 which are pivotally secured to the tractor I0 in the manner previously dmcribed, so-as to be vertically swingable for the purpose of raising and lowering the earth' pushing member I80.

of a pair of structural shown in Fig. 9, carry through openings cured to the back of this member The yoke I8I is formed channels I82 which, as a pin I83 which passes I84 in horizontal planes I85 seof the member I80. The ends I 80 are supported by beams I86. forwardly from the front end of the arms 25.

The alternative form of the invention shown in Figs. '1 to 11 inclusive employs with a tractor I0 the same power take-oil 46, with the associated parts necessary to direct the cable 43 through the cable tube I 54 which connects supporting member I56a mounted shaft 42a supported by the right to a sheave on a crosshand boom pusher or scraper.

preferred form of the' which corresponds to the.

member 35 preferably-formed. of outer and inner plates 39 and 31, connected to the right hand tread element I3, all as previously described relative to Figs. 1 and 2.

Below the sheave I53a, Fig. 8, carried in the sheave supporting member I5Iia, a bracket I81 is mounted on the yoke I8I, this bracket I81 supporting pins I88 on which sheave supporting H blocks I89 and I90 are pivoted. I89 and I90 respectively carry sheaves I9I and I92, as shown in Fig. 10. Sheaves I93 and I94 are connected to the left side'of the yoke I8I by use of blocks I89a and I90a and a bracket I81a similar in its general character to bracket I81 shown in Fig. 10. In the center of the yoke I8I a bracket I95 is secured. This bracket carries a substantially vertical pin I98 supporting a sheave I91. Above the sheave I91 a sheave I98 is carried in a clevis member I99 which is swung on a horizontal pin 200 carried by webs I which project upwardly from the bracket I95. On 'the cross-bolt 42b of the boom at the left hand side of the tractor, a sheave 202 is mounted, and above the cross-bolt 42a at the right side of the tractor a sheave 203 is mounted adjacent to the sheave I53a. 4

As best shown in Fig. 8 and in the diagram Fig. 13, the forward end of the cable 43 is extended downwardly from the sheave I53a to the sheave I9I to produce a cable line 204. The cable is then extended as shown at 209 over the sheave I91 in the center of the yoke I8I to the sheave I93 at the left thereof. To form a cable line 201, the cable is then extended upwardly from the sheave I93 to the sheave 202, over which it is carried and from which it is conducted down to the sheave I94 to form a cable line 208. As indicated at 2I0 the cable is then carried from the sheave I93 across the sheave I98 to the sheave I92 at the right side of the yoke I8I. From the sheave I02 the cable is extended upwardly to the These blocks sheaves, by carrying the cable, after the forming of the first line 204, across the yoke I8I to the sheave I93 so as to form the second cable line 201 on the left side of the device, and then after forming the third cable line 208, carrying the cable across sheaves I94,'I98, and I92 to the right side of the device where the slowest moving cable lines 205 and 208 are formed.

Although satisfactory results may be obtained where each of the cable lift means 2I5 and 2I8 comprises a pair of cable lines, I find that best results are obtained wherethe cable lift means 2I5 is comprised of the three lines 204, 205, and 208,- the line 204 being the fastest moving, and the lines 205 and 208 being the slowest moving of the entire assembly of cable lines 204, 205, 205, 201, and 208. In the operation of the cable lift means for the ground working tool, it is desired that sheave 203 to form cable line 200, and from the sheave 203 the cable is extended downwardly to provide a cable line 205, the lower end of which is connected, as shown in Fig. 10, to the bracket I01 by means of a cable clamp 2| I. In the manner shown a single cable 43 is employed to form a right hand cable lift means 2I5 and a left hand cable lift means 2I8 for the ground working tool I00 secured to the forward part of the yoke I8I. Each of these cable lift means 2I5 and 2I6 coinprises a plurality of cable lines. For example, the lift means 2I5 consists of lines 204, 205, and 208, and the cable lift means 2I8 consists of lines 201 and 208. When a pull is exerted in the cable 43, the lift exerted on the yoke I8I is equal to the tension in the cable 43 at the point where it passes over the sheave I53a, multiplied by a factor equal to the number of cable lines extending between the non-translational sheaves I53a, 282 and 203 and the yoke I8I, diminished by a coefficient which allows for frictional loss due to the passage of the cable sheaves.

Where a cable is passed back and forth over a.

plurality of sheaves and the outer end thereof is secured to a suitable fastening, tension applied to the front end of the cable does not result in an over the respective instantaneous application of this same tension to the outer end of the cable, owing to the friction loss resulting from the passage of the cable over each consecutive sheave; In my present invention I provide for this natural reduction in cable tension from one to the other thereof due to the passage of the cable over a series of the lift on each side of the yoke I8I be the same.

How this is accomplished will be seen from the following analysis. Assuming that a tension of ten pounds is produced in the cable line 204. This will not result in an instantaneous production of a tension of ten pounds in the cable lines 201- and 208, but the tensions produced in lines 201 and 208 will be decreased as the result of friction loss in the passage of the cable over sheaves I91, I93, and 202. Likewise, the friction loss due to the passage of the cable over the sheaves I94, I98, and I92 will result in a reduction in pull exerted to the line 206, and a further reduction in the pull will result from the passage of the cable over the sheave 203. Accordingly,

the lift exerted by the lines 201 and 208 will be reasonably close to the lift exerted by the lines 204, 205, and 206. Not only is the desired lifting of the yoke I8I and its attached tool I obtained, but the tension required in the cable 43 to accomplish the same is materially reduced and the load against which the power take-off must operate is correspondingly reduced so that the clutch and other parts thereof may be used for a long period of time without attention. I

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the character described,'the combination of a vehicle having a body structure and an undercarriage structure with ground engaging elements at the sides thereof vertically movable relative to said body structure; tool means supported at an end of said vehicle so as to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the ground; a sheave member mounted on one of said ground engaging elements near to said tool means and so as to move therewith as the sam moves relative to said body structure; a cable connected to said tool means and running over said sheave member, a cable actuating member mounted on said vehicle; a second sheave member movably mounted on said body structure in operative position relative to said cable actuating member, said cable running from said first sheave member to said cable actuating member; and cable guide means guiding said cable from one of said sheaves to the other and connecting said sheave members together so that said second sheave member will move in response to movemnt of said first named sheave member.

In a device of the character described, the combination of z a vehicle having a body structure and an undercarriage structure with ground en gaging elements at the sides thereof vertically movable relative to said body structure; tool means mounted at the forward end of said vehicle so as tobe moved up and down relative to the ground; a sheave member mounted on the member to said cable actuating member; an arm pivotably mounted on said body structure, the

swinging end of said arm being pivotally con nected to said second named sheave member; and means connecting said sheave members together so that said second named sheave member will move in response to movement of said first sheave member.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having a body structure and tread elements movably connected thereto vertically movable relative to said body structure; tool means supported for operative movement at the forward end of said tractor; a boom member mounted on the forward end of one of said tread elements so as to move therewith as said tread elements moves relativ to said body structure; a cable guide carried by said boom member near said tool means; cable actuating means on said tractor; a second cable guide disposed in operative relation to said actuating means; a cable extending from said tool means and over said guides to said actuating means; an arm pivotally mounted on said body structure, the swinging end of said arm being connected to said second guide so as to support the same; and a strut extending between said first and second guides, said strut having its front end pivotally connected to said boom member and its rear end pivotally connected tosaid arm.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 in which said strut comprises a tube through which said cable passes.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having a body structure and tread elements movably connected thereto; tool means supported for operative movement at the forward end of said tractor; a boom member mounted on the forward end of one of said tread elements so as to move therewith; forward sheave means mounted on said boom member; a tubular member extending rearwardly from said forward sheave means; rearward sheave means connected to the rearward end of said tubular member; means on said body structure of said tractor for movably supporting the rearward end of said tubular member; cable actuating means mounted on said tractor adjacent said rearward sheave means; and a cable extending from said tool means, over said sheave means and through said tubular member to said cable actuating means.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having a body structure and tread elements movably connected thereto; tool means mounted at the forward end of said tractor for movement relative to the ground; sheave means connected to said tool; a separate boom member mounted on each of said tread elements so as to be independently moved vertically by and in accordance with the movement of said tread elements; a sheave mounted on one of said boom members; a tube extending rearwardly from said sheave; cable guide means at the rearward end of said tube; means disposed at the rearward end of said tube; and a cable extending from the other of said boom members over said sheave means to said sheave, and thence through said tube and said guide means to said cable actuating means.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having a body structure and tread elements connected to the sides thereof; tool means mounted at the forward end of cable actuating said tractor for movement relative to the ground;

a separate boom member mounted on each .of said tread elements so as to be independently moved vertically by and in accordance with the movement of said tread elements; cable suspension means for said tool means comprising a cable extending downwardly from one of said boom means to said tool means, then across said tool means to the opposite sides thereof, and upwardly from said opposite side of said tool means to the other of said boom members, and thence again to said tool means and back to the first of saidboom members so that there will be fastand slow cable lines extending from each of said boom members to said tool means; and means operative to vary the effective length of said cable.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a tractor having a body structure and tread elements movably connected to the sides thereof; tool'means mounted at the for-- ward end of said tractor so as to be raised and.

lowered relative to the ground; a boom member mounted on the forward portion of each of said tread elements, each of said boom members comprising a pair of plates secured on opposite sides of the forward portion of a tread element and being joined together above the forward portion of the tread element, said boom members having independent movement in accordance with the movement of the tread elements to which they are respectively attached; a cable guide supported at the upper end of one of said boom members; a'cable winch mounted on the body of said tractor at a point spaced from its front end; a second; cable guide supported on said body in operative relation to said winch so as to have a component of movement in substantially longitudinalfdirection; a cable extended from the other of said boom members to said tool means, then tosaid first cable guide, to said second cable guide and finally to said winch; and a strut disposed in compressionbetween said one of said boom members and said second cable guide to hold said second cable guide spaced from said first cable guide, said second cable guide moving substantially horizontally in response to change in position of said first cable guide.

9. I a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having abody structure and tread elements movably connected to the sides thereof; tool means mounted at the forward end of said tractor so as to be raised and lowered relative to the ground; a boom member mounted on the forward portion of each of said tread elements, each of said boom members comprising a pair of plates secured on opposite sides of the forward portion of a tread element and being joined together above the forward portion of the tread element, said boom members having independent movement in accordance with the movement of the tread elements to which they are respectively attached; a cable guide supported at the upper end of one of said boom members; a cable winch mounted on the body of said tractor at a point spaced from its front end; a second cable guide; a support on said body carrying said. second cable guide in a raised position, said support having a substantially longitudinal component of movement; a cable extended from the other of said boom members to said tool means, then to said first cable guide,

.to said second cable guide and finally to said winch; and a strut connected between said one of said boom members and said support to hold said cable guides in spaced relation.

10. In combination with a tractor having independently vertically movable tread elements at the sides thereof, an attachment comprising: tool means connected to the tractor so as to be raised and lowered; a support mounted on each of said tread elements so that each will have a movement independent of the other as said tread elements move vertically; suspension means for said tool means, said suspension means comprising sheave members connected to said sup-' ports and to said tool means, and a cable threaded over said sheave members so as to form a pair of lines extending from each of said supports to said tool means with one line of each pair being a fast line and the other line of each pair being a slow line; and means for varying the effective length of said cable forming said suspension means whereby said tool means will be raised or lowered.

11. In combination with a tractor having a body with independently vertically movable tread elements at the sides thereof, an attachment comprising: tool means mounted for operative movement at the forward end of the tractor: a front sheave support mounted on one of said tread elements so as to have vertical movement therewith; a front cable sheave mounted on said front support; a cable actuating means mounted on said tractor body; a rear sheave support on said tractor body; a rear sheave mounted on said rear support; a cable running from said cable actuating means over said sheaves to said tool means; and a member extending betweensaid sheaves, said member having its front end pivotally connected to said front sheave support and its rear end pivotally connected to said rear sheave support.

12. In combination with a tractor having a body with independently vertically movable tread elements at the sides thereof, an attachment com-.

prising: tool means mounted for operative movement at the forward end of the tractor; a front sheave support mounted on one of said tread elements so as to have vertical movement therewith; a front cable sheave mounted on said front support; a cable actuating means mounted on said tractor body; a rear sheave mounted adjacent said cable actuating means and in a position rearward of said front sheave; a cable running from said cable actuating means over said sheaves to said tool means at the front end of the tractor; and a cable guide tube extending rearward from said front sheave toward said rear sheave to guide the portion of said cable which extends between said sheaves, there being means for supporting the rearward portion of said tube and the forward portion of said tube being connected to said front sheave support so as to rise and fall with said tread element as the same moves vertically.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination of: a tractor having a body structure and tread elements movably connected thereto; tool means supported for operative movement at the forward end of said tractor; a boom member mounted on one of said tread elements so as to move therewith as said tread element moves relative to said body structure; a cable guide carried by said boom member near said tool means; cable actuating means on said tractor; a second cable guide disposed in operative relation to said actuating means; a cable extending from said tool means and over said guides to said actuating means; an arm mounted on said body structure, the end of said arm being connected to .said second guide so as to support the same; and means disposed in a plane above one of said tread elements for connecting said second guide to said first guide so that said first guide may move up and down relative to the other and relative to said body structure as said boom member moves relative to the body structure of the tractor.

ALBERT ASHTON. 

